What ‘Organic’ really means & why we love Organic Wines

This past weekend, we spent with friends who are genuinely interested by the origins of our wines. Furthermore, by their support for organic farming and the overall ethical thinking of ourselves and so many of our great producers.

But what they really wanted was a simple definition of what  ‘organic’ means when it comes to wine.  So I’m writing a summary of the key points that I think everyone should be aware of…

First simple statement to understand :  Organic wine is wine made from organically grown grapes.  Simple. 

Second simple statement to understand :  Any chemical compound used in organic grape growing/wine-making must not have any detrimental effect on the environment or on human health.  

Grapes are certified ‘organic’ according to their nation’s regulations*.  This mean grapes grown free of synthetic pesticides, fungicides, herbicides or any chemical residues.

What does this mean?  Well, instantly the environment is cleaner, the soil and water free from chemical hazards and the vine feels better!  And if the vine feels better, then you can be sure that the fruit it yields should naturally be healthier.  And so it follows that we the consumer should be healthier too!

Wine that’s good for you – now that’s something to shout about!

*Bear in mind that there are plenty of wine producers who choose not to attain certification.  That is not to say that they are not producing organic wines, just that they choose not to spend their hard earned pennies on achieving certification.